Courses:How we teach

Stafford House School of English CanterburyCourses | How we teach

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Our teachers are the best thing about Stafford House, with all permanent staff being diploma qualified.

At Stafford House we focus on your needs, and with small classes and the latest teaching technology we are able to make sure you progress in your English language skills.

Once a month you meet with the Director of Studies who will chat to you about your progress so far, and give you feedback on how you can achieve your goals.

In the classroom we focus on the key language areas and use lots of group work and activities to practise your new skills.

Good nationality mix and an active social programme allow you to practise your English outside of the classroom. Our study centre is also stocked with language resources that allow you to work in your own time.

Meet some of the team

Your English Level

On your first day with us you will take a placement test. It assesses your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, and how well you are able to understand and speak English. This helps us to understand in which class you will be most successful and happy.

Click on the headings below for a summary of each level and which courses are available.

The table at the bottom of the page shows the exam score for each level, so you may want to start here to find out which level your current ability fits into. Jump to exam scores table

For more information on the different types of exam visit the English examinations page.

» Level 1: Beginner

Students who only know a few words of English

Courses we offer:

Where it can take you: Shopping, simple travel and tourism

» Level 2: Elementary

You have a small, basic vocabulary and can communicate on a simple level. You can survive in everyday situations such as shopping, greeting and travelling. You make a lot of mistakes but can make people understand you.

Courses we offer:

Where it can take you: Social situations; Travel and tourism

» Level 3: Pre-Intermediate

You can communicate well in everyday social and travel situations and understand some of what is said to you. You are familiar with basic grammar but need to develop this further. You need to build your vocabulary and listening skills.

Courses we offer:

Where it can take you:

» Level 4: Intermediate

You are a confident speaker and understand much of what you read and hear. You have a reasonable vocabulary and can survive well in most situations. You now need to become more fluent and accurate, use more complex structures and sophisticated vocabulary.

Courses we offer:

Where it can take you:

» Level 5: Upper Intermediate

You can communicate effectively in most situations, discussing and expressing opinions on a wide range of topics. You will continue to broaden your vocabulary to become more fluent and accurate.

Courses we offer:

Where it can take you:

» Level 6: Advanced

You express yourself clearly and effectively. You have a sound grasp of major tenses and grammatical structures. You read widely and can follow the majority of what is heard on TV, radio and film.

Courses we offer:

Where it can take you: University degree / diploma courses; entry into the English-speaking job market

» Level 7: Proficiency

You use a range of language close to that in your own language. You have no problems understanding or communicating. You now wish to extend your vocabulary and explore the nuances of idiomatic English.

Courses we offer:

Where it can take you: Postgraduate university degree; senior level work in an English speaking environment.

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Exam scores by level:

  Level 1: Beginner Level 2: Elementary Level 3: Pre- Intermediate Level 4: Intermediate Level 5: Upper Intermediate Level 6: Advanced Level 7: Proficiency
IELTS 1.0 2.0 3.0 3.5+ 5.0+ 6.5+ 7.5+
TOEFL n/a n/a n/a Paper: 425+

Computer: 113+

Internet: 38+		 Paper: 500+

Computer:
173+

Internet: 61+		 Paper: 575+

Computer: 232+

Internet: 91+		 Paper:
625 - 300

Computer: 263 - 300

Internet: 106-120
TOEIC n/a n/a n/a n/a 650+ points 800+ points 900+ points
Cambridge exam n/a n/a KET PET FCE CAE CPE
CEFR n/a A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
ALTE n/a Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

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Stafford House students in class

Stafford House students in class

Student Guestbook

    • 0/5

    Carlos from Chile

    13/12/10

    Hello everyone!!! I studied at Stafford House in January 2010. I had a wonderful time there, and I miss the school, the teaching staff, my classmates and the city. I learnt lots of things and I always tell my students about my trip to the UK. By the way, Merry Xmas!!

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