GEOS Queensland College of English: Brisbane

The Queensland College of English Brisbane provides English courses for students of all levels of ability, with a focus on teaching the communicative skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. The courses offered consist of 23 hours per week of face-to-face teaching and 2 hours per week of supervised self-study. Students can choose to start their courses according to the commencement dates on our enrolment form.

On the first day at school, new students are given a detailed placement test. The placement test includes an interview and a written test on reading, grammar and writing skills. Students are then placed into different class levels according to the result of their placement test.

Students are assessed by their teachers on a daily basis on how well they are doing in class. Students are also tested every 5 weeks with a speaking interview and written exam papers on Listening , Reading, Writing and Grammar.

		General English
		This course starts every Monday and caters for students from beginner to advanced level. This course is for students with an interest in improving their English in a wider, general context, whether it is for travel, friendship or their career. The course is divided into morning and afternoon components, making it possible for students to study full-time (25 hours per week) or part-time in the mornings (15 hours per week). Morning class is with a ‘core’ teacher and the emphasis is on communication and the use of grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. The core teachers encourage their students to tell them about their interests and what they expect from the course. The teachers spend time talking with students about their language learning so that they can adapt resources to meet their students’ specific needs. Afternoon classes focus on the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking – putting the skills learnt in the morning class into practice. Students work as individuals, small groups or as a whole class on a range of activities to reinforce their morning lessons. Friday Afternoon. This is “Options” time, when each week students can select a different class from serious options such as exam practice, grammar and pronunciation, or fun options such as cooking class, sport and dance. This afternoon allows students to mix with students from other classes and levels, and to use their English in a different context. The options can change depending on popularity and the seasons.

		Cambridge Exam Preparation (FCE, CAE, CPE)
		The college offers full-time courses to prepare students for sitting the exams for the Cambridge Certificates. See below for more details about the different courses. The Cambridge exams test students’ ability to use English (their vocabulary resource, their understanding of grammar) and their abilities in the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). The exams take place over three days. The Reading, Use of English and Writing tests are held on one day, and the Speaking test (interview), and the Listening test on separate days. During the course at QCE Brisbane students will be assisted to not only improve the skills mentioned above, they will also be given a full overview of the exam format and will of course practise how to manage the different exam components. They will have the opportunity to do several practice exams and benefit from the experience and skills of accredited Cambridge examiners who teach here at QCE Brisbane. For more details about the Cambridge exams in Australia, including the next test dates at http://www.cambexams.com.au or http://www.cambridge-efl.org/ Please note: The book/ancillary and exam fees are not included in the course cost Students must pass a Pre-placement test for acceptance into QCE Brisbane’s Cambridge Preparation courses. For a copy of the Pre-placement test please email us (English@qce.qld.edu.au) The Director of Studies may recommend students take extra General English classes before entering these Cambridge courses.

		High School Preparation Courses

		English for Academic Purposes
		This course is designed for students who want to take a course at university, college or further education institute. As the IELTS and TOEFL exams are often required to start tertiary education, the course does include preparation for these exams, but it also aims to train students in the specific research and study skills that they will need to succeed in their future studies. QCE Brisbane’s counsellors are available to assist students with their enrolment in further studies and help them to make the transition from QCE Brisbane to their next institution.

TOEIC Preparation

This Test of English for International Communication checks your practical and everyday English listening and reading skills. It is a two-hour multiple-choice test. TOEIC proficiency scores are used by a wide range of companies as a management tool to check a candidate’s English skills when considering recruitment, promotion, job-training and overseas placements.

As the TOEIC measures reading and listening in English, QCE Brisbane’s course focuses on improving these skills. Students work on reading and listening comprehension, conversation practice, and role-plays on how to manage different work and social situations using English. These tasks aim to give students the confidence to demonstrate their skills in English during the test.

QCE Brisbane is an official TOEIC testing centre. This means that students can take the TOEIC test without leaving their own learning environment, something that reduces some of the stress of the exam.

Check out the site for the latest TOEIC news http:///www.toeic.com

		TOEFL Preparation
		TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. Many universities and institutions around the world use TOEFL scores as a condition of entry, especially in the USA and Canada. TOEFL can now be taken as a written test or as a computer-based test. The test has four sections, which must all be answered. The sections are Listening, Structure, Reading and Writing. The difference between the written and the computer-based tests is that the computer-based test is “computer-adaptive.” This means that the computer choses the next questions on how well you answered the last question. QCE Brisbane’s TOEFL course helps students improve their skills in each section of the test, and teaches students specific strategies to tackle each section. Students can also: · Practise test questions and get feedback on their answers · Use computer-based software in class and after class · Ask QCE counsellors, teachers and other staff to help them register for the test and prepare · for the test day For more details about TOEFL visit the website http://www.toefl.org

English for Business Purposes

Students who wish to improve their English skills for business will certainly benefit from taking this course. It also prepares students for entry into business courses, or to take the Cambridge Business English Certificate.

The course gives students practice in reading and writing business correspondence, and to communicate verbally (telephone skills, presentations, talks and business meetings). The focus is also on building the students’ business vocabulary, as well as improving students’ research skills.

Included in the tasks for this class is a small business project. This aims to help students make practical use of the skills that they have developed during the course and to give them hands-on experience in working as a business team.

Another key component of the course is interaction with the local community, with excursions to companies. In addition, guest speakers from the Brisbane business community visit the class to share their knowledge and experience.

		English for Tour Guiding
		Being a tour guide is a challenging and fulfilling job. Around the world English is crucial for work in the travel and tour guide industry. QCE Brisbane’s course prepares students to seek work as a tour guide, or to take a formal tourism course at college or university. Start dates are subject to student demand. The course features are: · A special focus on speaking & listening skills · Confidence-building projects · Guest speakers from the local business community · Excursions to gain first-hand experience.

		Private Tuition
		One-to-one tuition can be arranged for students of all ages.

		Young Learners Program
		This is a wonderful, fun holiday program for younger students (aged 10 – 15 years) QCE Brisbane runs the course twice per year in January and in July and it is necessary to book early. The program’s aim is to improve students' fluency in English and to give young people the confidence to use their English in everyday situations. Because of this the classes are energetic and fast-moving. Students practise English by doing fun activities and learning about Australian animals, music and Aussie culture. All the teachers are experienced in teaching younger students and their sense of fun makes learning English a great experience. Many students are so enthusiastic about this course they return each year in their holidays to continue their English learning.

		Study tour group programs
		QCE Brisbane welcomes group tours from around the world. Study tour programs are available all year round, for any length of time and any age group. The tours focus on morning English lessons combined with afternoon, and weekend activities. They are rewarding programs and thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. The tours are designed to: · Improve students’ knowledge of practical English · Give students a chance to experience Aussie culture and share their culture · Build their confidence using English everyday · Be flexible programs to meet a variety of group needs · Ensure students have fun! Download examples of 1,2,3 and 4-week programs. Specific programs and quotes are available on request (English@qce.qld.edu.au)

		IELTS Exam Preparation
		The IELTS test is the standard test for students intending to study in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. IELTS provides a reliable assessment of a student’s ability to read, write, speak, and listen accurately in English. Enrolment for IELTS Exam Preparation classes at QCE Brisbane is every Monday. During the course students will not only improve the skills mentioned above, they will also become familiar with the exam format and will have the opportunity to do several practice tests, as well as benefit from the experience of IELTS examiners who teach at the college. Students can take the IELTS test in Brisbane every month and the results are available within two weeks. There are no restrictions on repeating the test. The closing date for a test is five weeks before the Test Date. It is suggested that students book early, however, as the Test Dates often fill early. GEOS QCE Brisbane staff are experienced in helping students to enrol and prepare to take the IELTS test. For more general information about IELTS see www.ielts.org

		Working Holiday Program
		This course is designed to help students improve their English skills & learn valuable job skills so that they can find suitable work during their Working Holiday experience in Australia. The 12-week program includes tuition in Intensive English, TOEIC Exam, Hospitality Training Course and assistance in job placement. Students can use these core components to build stronger English skills plus learn practical skills to help them with their future employment.