Central Language School - Cambridge English Language School

CENTRAL LANGUAGE SCHOOL is a small, friendly, city-centre School founded in 1996 by a group of Christians in Cambridge.

Our aim is to give you a warm welcome and an excellent opportunity to learn English in a caring, community atmosphere.

Our general English courses, from Elementary to Advanced level, are run throughout the year for adults with a minimum age of 16.

The School is just three minutes' walk from the bus station and near many restaurants, shops and the colleges of the University of Cambridge.The classrooms are situated in the Stone Yard Centreand the school offers facilities for private study andlistening practice after class. Teachers are qualified and experienced at teaching English as a foreign language. Our small class size ensures that each student receives individual care and attention.

There are opportunities for regular contact with English-speaking people and the real chance to build friendships with local people and with fellow students from all over the world. Students from more than 60 different countries have studied with us and there is usually a good mix of nationalities in the school.

Our school is accredited by the British Council who inspect the classrooms, the teachers, the administration and the homestays regularly. They say: :

• The British Council inspected and accredited the Central Language School Cambridge in July 2005.
• This small private language school offers courses in general English for adults.
• Points of excellence were noted in administration of students.
• The inspection report stated that overall the organisation met the standards of the Scheme.

Is there an age restriction?

Yes, students must NOT be younger than 18

What time of the year should I study?

We welcome students all year round and the only time we are closed is for two weeks at Christmas.

• Summer courses

  June/July/August - this is when we have higher student numbers and each class may have up to ten students. Summer has the best weather in Cambridge, often with a lot of sun and little rain! You can enjoy many social activities after class, in the afternoons and evenings. Summer is when more younger students (16-18 years) study at the school, though we have older students too.

• Spring/Winter/Autumn

  if you like to be in a very small class (between five and seven students) come at these times. There are still many social activities, which are usually indoors.

Your Course and your Timetable

You can choose a course of 15 hours or 20 hours per week. Lessons are every morning from Monday to Friday, 9.30am until 1pm, with a coffee-break at 11am. If you choose the 20-hour course there are also classes on Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. This course includes exam preparation. There are other afternoon activities for students of both courses designed to give extra practice, especially in spoken English.

Course Length

You can start on any Monday (except public holidays) for a minimum of one week. Most students study 4-12 weeks. Some students study for up to one year. We can advise you on the length of course needed to achieve particular goals.

Your Class

The maximum class size is ten, but often there are between five and seven students per class. You will be placed in a group of students according to your grammar level, speaking experience and your personal aims. You will study English through different topic areas and the emphasis is on oral communication. This often involves pair-work and participating in discussions and role-play. You will have the opportunity to activate and consolidate your knowledge of grammar and extend your vocabulary.

Examinations

We prepare students for examinations at a range of levels throughout the year. These exams are set by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. If you take these exams we recommend the 20-hour course, which includes exam preparation.

KET: Key English Test (Elementary level)
PET: Preliminary English Test (Intermediate level)
FCE: First Certificate in English (Upper intermediate level)
CAE: Certificate of Advanced English (Upper intermediate/ Advanced) CPE: Certificate of Proficiency in English (Advanced)
IELTS: International English Language Testing System (for entry to UK universities, Intermediate to Advanced levels)