English for Academic Purposes

　　How is the teaching adapted to suit the needs of Chinese students?
　　The essential objective behind all three programmes (IB, A-level, AP) is to assist students to develop strong proficiency skills in English and to prepare students to become global learners in preparation for studying and life abroad. Students will need to achieve acceptable scores in international tests in English, and to do so requires good communicative ability, a solid grasp of academic study skills and a capacity for critical thinking. All of these elements are integrated into the English programmes. Additionally, the university preparation programmes at A2 level is designed to prepare Chinese students for their studies in a Western environment. International students are often unfamiliar with the academic demands at Western universities if they have not had adequate preparation prior to attending. They can therefore find it extremely difficult to cope with a sizable proportion failing to complete undergraduate courses. The university preparation programmes address these issues to ensure a smoother transition into Western academic life.
　　Resource
　　The recommended texts are available in the centers with a range of additional materials. Computers are used widely.
　　Other information
　　Students enter the programme with various degrees of English proficiency, therefore the instructional pedagogy includes an awareness of these differences and English remediation is initiated when necessary.
　　As English instruction is such a crucial area for our centers and students, management and staff are in frequent dialogue to develop our programme further. This creates a lively and innovative approach to the development of English learning and ensures that we continue to strive to meet the needs of our students.
　　Overview of the course
　　At Pre AP and Pre A-level, students prepare for an IGCSE exam in English as a Second Language using the recommended Cambridge text. The focus of the course is on skill development in the four key skill areas of the language and is intended to provide students with a strong foundation in the English language. An additional component of the course introduces students to academic writing, and optional computer training.
　　In Year 11, students follow the North Star Upper Intermediate Reading and Writing textbook which includes the development of critical thinking and study skills. Additional emphasis is placed on developing note-taking skills with the 'Learn to Listen - Listen to Learn' series. The development of speaking and listening skills is an integral component for students at this level. Students are expected to actively participate in listening and speaking exercises to develop the communicative skills in English that are required for a successful university experience. Students will complete a University Portfolio and prepare a draft Personal Statement for university applications. TOEFL/IELTS preparation courses are offered to students in semester one. SAT preparation support is available for students in semester two upon successful completion of TOEFL/IELTS. A literature and independent research component has been incorporated into the programme for extended learners.
　　In Year 12, students take a university preparation programme which focuses on the skills that students need in preparation for studying in an academic learning environment abroad. These academic preparation skills include research and writing skills, oral presentations, and discussion skills. During this academic year, students complete personal statements for university applications and focus on writing standard college essays. Flexibility is incorporated into the programme for students to receive SAT preparation training in semester one, if needed. Extended level students will have an opportunity to gain exposure to different types of literature that are commonly found in university level English classes such as poetry, novels, short stories, and drama. Independent projects are also available for extended students at this level.
　　The university preparation programme contains the same basic elements found in university foundation courses. This is an integrated programme which focuses on Western societies and cultures, with students also carrying out their own research in these areas.
　　From 2011, Centers will have more opportunities to adapt their English provision to address the perceived needs of students relative to that Center, many of whom are heavily focused on achieving strong IELTS or TOEFL scores to support their university applications.