EC - Cambridge English Language School

What can you expect from our courses?

Real English

Using our teaching methodology, you will learn how English is spoken and used in real-life, day-to-day situations. Focusing on the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening), you will practise conversation skills along with sharpening your grammar, vocabulary, idioms and pronunciation. Learn the English you need to accomplish your aims. Be understood. Get things done.

Improve your 'thinking time'

'Thinking time' - The time that it takes to listen, understand and respond in English. On our General English course, you will shorten your thinking time, making it quicker for you to respond and improve your fluency.

Topic based lessons

Every lesson you take will be based on a specific topic or theme. The language skills and grammar are taught within the framework of the topic and serve to help you apply everything you have learned in a natural way. Simply put, you will learn the correct English to use in specific situations.

Support

Teachers and academic staff will be on hand to give you ongoing support, encouragement, advice and feedback. EC staff create comfortable and confidence-building classroom environments. The role of our teachers is to steadily guide you to your English language goal.

Creative and energetic classes

Relaxed and informal classrooms always create fun and inspiring atmospheres. You will speak confidently and freely while interacting with your classmates. Our professional and dedicated teaching staff will supply you with fun and functional lessons every single day of your course.

Authentic materials

As well as using text books, teachers often supplement lessons with authentic resources such as newspapers, videos, internet and CD's. All of which will give you a clearer understanding of how English is really used.

Learn by doing At EC we very much believe in students taking a full and active part in lessons. In other words, you will learn by doing. You can expect to fully take part in lessons - there won't be a moment when you are not directly involved

Your First Day at EC Cambridge

How to get to school

On the first day, your host family will explain how to get to the EC school by bus. All host families are located close to the bus route. If you are staying in an EC residence, you will receive a welcome letter with directions and other useful information. A welcome pack with additional information for your stay will be handed out on your first day at school.

Placement Tests

You will need to be at the Student Service Centre by 8:30am to be ready to take your placement test at 9am. This test assesses your key skills in all aspects of English (Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Written Comprehension) and helps us place you in the right group for your ability.

Welcome Talk

On the first morning, you will have a welcome talk by the Academic Director who will explain the course timetable, lessons, academic information and give you information on the options for your Leisure and Activities programme.

Lessons

Students begin lessons on the second day. Students taking intensive courses and those with an afternoon timetable in their first week begin lessons on Monday afternoon. All students are reminded to take a notepad and pen to class.

EC Cambridge uses an alternative timetable called Double Banking through the year. Students taking intensive courses and those with an afternoon timetable in their first week begin lessons on Monday afternoon. Students will be given the time table during welcome talk on the first day.