English acquisition is not merely an academic exercise but the ability to use language within a given context. Tutors will conduct on-going class assessments of each student. Poor attendance, not being punctual and not actively participating in class group work and the failure to submit, on time, assignments will affect negatively the final grade award. It is possible for a student to attain, say 80% in a test but still not gain a high grade Diploma or Certificate if other areas of the 5 star criterion are poor.
The test marks will play the major part in Certificate / Diploma awards.
If a diploma student fails to get the minimum average of 60% average for their tests, they will be considered for an appropriate Certificate regardless of their other five star achievements.
b. Course structures
Intermediate, Upper Intermediate to Advanced level
Diploma course require a minimum registration of six months. This equates out at an average minimum hour's attendance of:
| 15 hours per week x six months |
= 360 hours |
| 15 hours per week x nine months |
= 540 hours |
| 15 hours per week x twelve months |
= 660 hours |
Certificate courses are earned for any period under six months (360 hours).
Bespoke courses are designed with the needs of the student in mind and can cover from 15 hours to 359 hours.
Based on the course criterion Certificates will be awarded in the following categories:
If a Certificate student fails to get the minimum average of 60% average for the tests they will fail their course and no Certificate will be given. They will, however, receive an Attendance Certificate.
Diplomas and Certificates will be signed by the Rector and the Dean - Academics and Head of English. Students who require their Certificates or Diplomas to be laminated must advise their tutor at least one week in advance of the presentation.
Diplomas / Certificates will indicate the level at which the student was successful. e.g. Advanced Level.
Basic, elementary and Lower intermediate levels
Diplomas and Certificates for this level are as for the Intermediate plus levels.
Diplomas / Certificates will indicate the level at which the student was successful. e.g. Lower Intermediate Level.
c. Cambridge Preliminary, First & Advanced Certificates
Students wishing to take the Cambridge Certificates will be required to purchase the appropriate textbook as advised by their tutor. The tutor will offer tuition of three hours a week to assist the student in their personal study routine. Students are required to spend personal time in studying and should not depend on the tutor for full time instruction.
Examinations will be set by and written at centrer authorised by Cambridge. Marking will be completed by Cambridge examiners and the Certificates issued under their authority.
College tutors will assist and guide as appropriate.
d. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Students wishing to sit the IELTS test will receive 22 hours tuition by a tutor and will have to purchase their appropriate text book. Five hours will be given to reading skills; five hours to writing skills; five hours to listening skills and five hours to speaking skills. The tutor may recommend that the student spend more time on one module and cut down on another module. In this eventuality the student will be consulted. The remaining two hours are free lessons offered just before the external test at a registered test centre. Cambridge will award the earned grading.
College tutors will assist in preparing students for the IELTS test but students should be above sixteen years of age and have a minimum English ability at the Intermediate level.
Students will be required to spend at least five hours personal study per week to prepare for the test.
e. Bespoke Business English courses
Applicants wishing to complete a bespoke course will, along with the tutor, complete the application form indicating their preferences. The tutor will then consult with the faculty Dean to design an appropriate course.
A successful student will be awarded a Certificate / Diploma, in line with the Five Star criterion structure.
f. Class etiquette
Classes will not usually comprise more than 16 students at any one time and may represent different nationalities. Cultural, ethnic, political, social class, educational, religious and gender differences must be respected at all times.
