English for Life at Gateway Language Centres
View(s):Gateway’s English Language Teaching programmes are designed to be accessible to everyone learning English – from children to adults. Established in 1999, Gateway Language Centre provides English Language Teaching (ELT) to the following categories:
• Young Learners (6 to 12 years)
• Teenagers and School Leavers
• Adults/Professionals
The entire portfolio of English language programmes offered by Gateway meets international standards, as the curricular are designed according to the Council of Europe Common European Framework. As such, students are able to sit for Cambridge and Pearson examinations and receive internationally recognised certification.These English language courses include the most up-to-date text books, audio cassettes and Multimedia material from the United Kingdom.
Gateway has not limited its services only to Colombo; but rather spread its services throughout most parts of the country. Approximately 2000 students attend English courses at Gateway at any given time. These courses are aimed towards developing all language skills – Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
English for Young Learners
Gateway’s “English for Young Learners” course is designed to cater to children between 6 to 12 years. It is conducted under 3 Levels – Super Starters, Mighty Movers and Fantastic Flyers. Students are prepared for the Cambridge Young Learners English Tests conducted by Cambridge ESOL. Results of the Cambridge Young Learners Examinations provide a positive encouragement to the learners. All candidates who complete their tests receive awards, which focus on what they can do (rather than what they can’t do) and give them credit for having taken part in the test. Each student that completes the test is awarded a grade between 1-5 (represented by ‘shields’), for each different skill areas assessed; Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
English for Teenagers and School Leavers
English for Teenagers and School Leavers are graded at 5 levels (Foundation, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Diploma) according to one’s knowledge and competence. The Diploma level certificationis accepted for UK University entrance. Candidates can commence English learning at a stage that suits them and progress through the series as they improve their language skills. The curriculum is designed according to the Council of Europe Common European Framework.
Students have the opportunity to sit for tests carried out by Cambridge ESOL and/or Pearson Language Assessments (London Examinations) at the end of every level. These Awarding bodies of the United Kingdom are responsible for the setting of test papers and the marking of answer scripts. Successful students receive internationally recognised certificates.
English for Adults and Professionals
For Adults and Professionals, Gateway carries out programmes in Business English according to curricular designed by Cambridge ESOL. Here too, students may opt to sit for examinations of Cambridge if they so wish, at the end of each of the 3 levels. All course material for the programme – course books, audio cassettes etc. are provided from the UK.
International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) have combined their expertise to develop the International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE). This examination is set at Levels B2 and C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and assesses language skills in the context of finance and accounting.ICFE is an ideal qualification for anyone thinking of, or already pursuing a career in accountancy or finance. ICFE can be used to validate your financial English language skills and provide proof of your linguistic ability and expertise.
International Legal English Certificate (ILEC)
ILEC is a Cambridge ESOL examination, developed in co-operation with TransLegal- Europe’s leading firm of lawyer-linguists. ILEC assesses English language ability at Levels B2 and C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Cambridge ILEC is a high-level language qualification suitable for law students and practising lawyers to communicate with clients and professionals in an international legal environment.
Further details of the Gateway Language Centre can be obtained by writing to glc@gatewayworldwide.com or by calling 2696655.
| Title of Gateway courses | Council of Europe Level of each examination | Title of Cambridge ESOL Examination | Title of Pearson Language Assessments (PLA) Examination |
| Foundation
Pre-Intermediate Intermediate Upper Intermediate Diploma |
Breakthrough (A1)
Waystage (A2) Threshold (B1) Vantage (B2) EffectiveOperational Proficiency (C1) |
Foundation (Level A1)
Key English Test (KET) Preliminary English Test (PET) First Certificate in English (FCE) Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
|
Basic (Level 1)
Elementary (Level 2) Intermediate (Level 3) Advanced (Level 4) |
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus