Exams

We encourage our EAL students to sit the CAMBRIDGE ESOL exams, and if you are new to Surbiton High School, you might like them explained, but first take this test to find your level of English:

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/for-schools/

There are 5 Cambridge Examinations that we teach here at school and they start with the…

• KET Key English Test for Lower Intermediate learners
  An elementary level exam, testing your ability to deal with basic written and spoken communications

• PET Preliminary English Test for Intermediate learners
  An intermediate level exam, testing your ability to cope with everyday written and spoken communications

• FCE First Certificate in English for Upper Intermediate learners
  An upper intermediate level exam – ideal if you can deal confidently with a range of written and spoken communications

• CAE Certificate in Advanced English for Advanced learners
  An advanced exam – if you can communicate with confidence in English for work or study purposes, this is the exam for you.

• CPE Certificate in Proficiency in English
  A very advanced level exam – perfect if you have achieved a high level of language skills and are able to function effectively in almost any English-speaking context.

These exams are the world’s leading range of certificates for learners of English. Each year, they are taken by over 2 million people, in 130 countries and are widely recognised for work and study purposes.

Click for further information about Cambridge Exams

The Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) English as a Second Language is designed for learners who already have a working knowledge of the language and who want to consolidate their understanding in order to progress in their academic or professional career. The qualification reflects the widespread use of English in education and commerce, and also in entertainment. Cambridge IGCSE is internationally recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent in demand to UK GCSEs.

The aim is to achieve a level of practical communication ideal for everyday use, which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study. The Examination consists of preparation and testing of the four skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  In Syllabus 0510, marks for the oral component do not contribute to the overall grade candidates receive for the written components. A count-in oral component is offered in Syllabus 0511.

Why choose Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language?

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language offers learners the opportunity to gain lifelong skills and knowledge including:

• better communicative ability in English
• improved ability to understand English in a range of everyday situations and in a variety of social registers and styles
• greater awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills
• wider international perspective.

Prior learning

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language is designed for learners whose first language is not English but who use it as a lingua franca or language of study.

Progression

Cambridge IGCSEs are general qualifications that enable learners to progress directly to employment or to proceed to further study.

Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level English or the equivalent.

For help with the IGCSE English ESOL examination

Please follow the link below:

IGCSE English ESOL

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System and it assesses the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.

IELTS is recognised by universities and employers. It is a requirement for students wishing to study at Higher Education Institutions in the UK who do not have the GCSE English at Grade C.

The tests assess listening, reading, writing and speaking. They are marked on a Band Scale 1 to 9, with most universities requiring a score of 7.5 or above.

Further help and Information

Further information can be found at http://www.ielts.org/teachers.aspx

Help with improving your IELTS band: http://www.dcielts.com/ielts-vocabulary/awl-exercises/