Continuing professional development

Continuing developments in education mean that constant learning is required on the part of teachers and academic managers.  
We give high priority to the professional training of our teachers and to ongoing professional development for all our staff.

We provide:

• Practical, classroom based training and development through lesson observation and evaluation by the Director of Studies
• On-campus Professional Development sessions
• Opportunities for development through attending courses, developing interests and expertise, and attending conferences.

Individual care and support

All our staff pride themselves on treating every course participant as an individual.  
Each school provides:

• Monitoring of individual progress with regular progress tests and reports, tutorials with the teacher and/or Director of Studies, and self-assessment Course advisory service: change of course, course extensions, courses at other Embassy CES centres
• Academic counselling service: advice on external examinations and entry to higher education in Australia and New Zealand.
• Up-to-date facilities and resources

All our centres are equipped with:

• Computer laboratories with wireless email and internet access
• Self-access centres with audio practice materials
• A wide range of current ELT text books and supplementary materials
• Interactive white boards
• Embassy i-Study.

Teaching methodology

• Our methodology is based on the following key priorities:
• Identify student needs and wishes and develop a course to suit those needs. Give clear direction and provide a well-organised course program
• Use an oral interactive, communicative approach to learning English by emphasising active student participation in pair and group work, practice activities, role plays and discussions
• Use up-to-date resources and facilities
• Provide a positive learning environment
• Foster learner autonomy through use of self-access and learner skills training.

Syllabus, course planning and materials

• Our teachers are responsible for planning the course for their students from week-to-week, according to the needs and wants of the students in each class
• In order to do this, they use the course book as well as a variety of language learning and authentic materials, along with the language laboratory and/or video, computer centre and the internet
• Students studying in the Certificate of English course receive the Cutting Edge coursebook which is included in their fees
• Students are given clear aims and objectives each week, outlining what will be covered.

Welcome to Embassy CES

On day one, students will be met by the Director of Studies or another member of staff, given a welcome pack which includes the Student Handbook for that campus and a placement test.

Placement test

The placement test is designed to identify a student’s level of English and includes a short interview with the Director of Studies or a teacher to discuss individual needs and wishes.

Orientation

• An introduction to teaching methods, resources and facilities
  
• An introduction to key members of staff and information about the school, the city, accommodation and the social program
  
• Students will be given information about their course and advice about studying and learning, as well as a tour of the school and its facilities
  
• Students will meet accommodation staff and/or student services staff, who will provide practical information and advice
  
• If students have any questions or problems at any time during their stay, they should talk to a member of staff.

Starting out

Depending on the centre and type of course chosen, students will start classes either on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.

Students may find that they are joining a class which already exists. This is perfectly normal and is because students arrive on different dates and stay for different lengths of time. The important thing is that each week is a separate teaching unit and students will be placed in the class which is most appropriate for their level of English. Teachers will help integrate new students into the group.

The course

The teacher plans each course week by week according to the needs and wishes of the class.

Clear aims and objectives are provided each week.

Materials

Students studying in the Certificate of English, EAP, IELTS Preparation – Core, Cambridge or TESOL courses will receive a course book which is included in their fees. Students studying in the AYA Program are asked to pay for their course books (approximately AU$150 per term). In addition, teachers will use their Interactive Whiteboard to access a wide variety of supplementary materials as well as the language laboratory and/or video, computer centre, and authentic materials, such as radio and TV news.

Progress

During their course, each student’s progress will be assessed through assessment tasks and tests every 5 weeks to check progress. There are also scheduled tutorials with the teacher where students can discuss their course.

Guided Independent Learning (G.I.L.)

The self-access facilities give students the opportunity to practise and improve their English more quickly. They are available to all students at fixed times and comprise computer and internet access, language laboratory or audio facilities, as well as video, reading, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation materials and exercises.

Students receive 40MB of free internet usage per week for the duration of their course.

Leaving us

Every student receives specific Embassy CES course certification depending on their course and the number of week studied. Student visa holders will also receive a Statement of Attendance.

English for Beginners

Students receive the Embassy CES Certificate of Achievement.

This is an intensive general English course, with monthly start dates designed for students with little or no English who need to make fast progress.

Certificate of English

Students receive the Embassy CES Certificate of Achievement

• Standard 20
• Intensive 24
• Intensive 28

This general English course is designed to help students to improve their confidence and ability in speaking, reading, writing and understanding English. There is also a strong focus on grammar & vocabulary, and communicating effectively in English.

Business English

Students receive the embassy CES Certificate of Achievement.

This is an intensive course which will help students to improve their key skills in business English – essential grammar, pronunciation, colloquial language, idioms and vocabulary. There is a special focus on the integration of reading, formal business writing, listening and speaking.

Please note this course is offered as an Elective only with students studying General English programs.

IELTS Preparation – Core

Certificate: On satisfactory completion of the course, students will be awarded the Embassy CES Certificate of Achievement at level 1 or 2 - depending on their assessment results and language level at the end of the course.

The primary aim of this course is to provide students with a thorough knowledge of the format of IELTS along with the skills and strategies to achieve success in the test.

The course promotes classroom activities which integrate the skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking.

Academic Year Abroad (AYA)

On completion of the academic year course, students receive the AYA Certificate. On completing the semester course, students receive an Embassy CES Certificate of Attendance. All students receive a Record of Achievement Folder.

This course is designed for long term English language study for a variety of reasons, which may include travel, career or personal interest. More advanced level students are now able to study Advanced Academic Year Abroad in Sydney and Brisbane.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Students receive the Embassy CES Certificate of Attainment for EAP 1, EAP 2, EAP 3 or EAP 4 (Sydney only), depending on their level on exiting the course.

This is the ideal program for students who want the most effective pathway to a Australian university through a rigorous academic English course.

More advanced students are now able to study EAP 4 at Darlinghurst.

Just email us to contact our free student service.