Our teaching

Our students want to be able to use English both accurately and fluently. Our methodology combines the best of traditional language teaching and the latest effective developments in teaching techniques. Students learn relevant English language, which they can put to immediate practical use.

We teach the four fundamental language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking), with emphasis given according to the students’ needs. Carefully selected and individual fluency activities, such as role-plays, allow students to improve their pronunciation and speak with confidence in a wide variety of situation.

We also encourage students to develop effective learning strategies, which enable them to continue learning outside the classroom. We offer students the opportunity to discuss their progress with their teachers regularly, and all students are encouraged to do appropriate homework on a daily basis to improve their English language.

We place importance on the students’ learning environment and therefore keep our class sizes small and attempt to have an appropriate balance of nationalities in each class

First two lessons

On arrival at the school on their first day, the students will be assessed to determine their grammatical knowledge and fluency of spoken English. They will then be placed into classes with students of a similar aptitude

Second two lessons

Either further communicative practice in using the language they have learnt in the previous lessons, or related topic-based practice in the four skills. If the student has booked an Intensive English course, a Focus Course, a Minigroup or a Plus Course, their afternoon classes will place special emphasis on oral communication. Any private lessons provide an opportunity for the student to look at themes connected to their occupational, academic and personal interests.

The teachers will use a combination of class activities and course materials to ensure that the students get the most effective practice of the four skills of speaking, reading, writing and listening. Role-play activities and language development games will be used to build the students’ communicative competence and build confidence.

We have a wide range of well-known EFL course-books at our disposal, and we have a comprehensive resources centre from which our teachers can supplement other materials; we recommend that students bring a dictionary.

The school excursions also provide the students with the opportunity to use their newly acquired English language skills with their fellow classmates in a more informal situation. Students can receive individual tutorials with their teacher in which they are able to discuss their progress and ways in which they can continue to make improvements in the future. We give all students a certificate of attendance at the end of their English language course. A variety of EFL books, dictionaries and cassettes are also on sale at the school.

Will I be in the right class?

On your first morning at school we will give you a placement test and you will have a short interview to assess your knowledge of English. Following this we will place you in an appropriate class.

How will I know if I am making progress?

During your lessons your teacher will provide you with new language and help you to improve your language skills according to your level.  Your progress will be monitored by the teacher and you will have regular progress tests. If you are following a long-term programme you will have monthly progress reports.

Is my teacher qualified?

Yes – all our teachers are qualified according to Maltese law and many have further qualifications above the minimum legal requirement.  They also meet the requirements of the relevant accrediting bodies – the EFL Monitoring Board of the Ministry of Education and the Federation of English Language Teaching Organizations of Malta (FELTOM).  Over and above these qualifications, our teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic about helping their students to progress and reach the level that is attainable during their stay.

What opportunities will I have to communicate in English?

We use the Communicative Language Teaching method (CLT) in our classes.  This method uses communication in English as a learning tool, which guarantees maximum use of the language.  You will also have plenty of opportunity to practice your English during school activities with students of various nationalities.

What will I gain from my English course?

Having the opportunity to practice the skills, particularly speaking, will enable your passive knowledge of English to become active.  You will learn new vocabulary and grammar and have plenty of opportunity to use it.  You will gain confidence and competence to communicate and use your newly acquired language.

What will I do in class?

You will follow a course book which will help you with your grammar and vocabulary, as well as enabling you to practice the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.  You will also be given the opportunity to interact with other students to practice these skills and improve your fluency.

How can I improve my English outside the classroom?

You will be able to speak English with other students during the afternoon and evening activities organised by the school.  It is also a good idea to borrow English books from our library. These books are graded according to level.  The school holds regular film nights, which will improve your understanding of English.  If you are staying with one of our host families, you will also be able to make conversation with them.

Will I get a certificate?

At the end of your stay you will receive a certificate indicating the type and length of course you have taken.

• CEF – Common European Framework
• ALTE – Association of Language Testing in Europe
• IELTS – The International English Language Testing System
• ESOL – English for Speakers of other Languages