Information for our Language School

At LAL we believe in the ideal formula, that the combination of ‘serious study’ and ‘serious fun’ bring about the best results in terms of progress in English. All our schools are committed to delivering the highest possible standards of quality tuition.

Will I be in the right class?

On your first morning at school you will be given a placement test. This will be used to assess your knowledge of English grammar. During this time you will also be taken for a short oral test with a teacher. You will be put into a class according to the results of your grammar and oral tests.

How will I know if I am making progress?

Your teacher will monitor your progress throughout your time at the school. You will be given advice on ways of helping yourself to build confidence and make improvements. Your teacher will provide you with new language and skills for your level of English as well as helping you to achieve the level that is attainable during your stay at the school. If you are following a long-term programme regular tests will be provided in order for you to see what progress you are making. The combination of your motivation with your teacher’s expertise will guarantee positive results.

Is my teacher qualified?

Yes - our teachers come from very different educational backgrounds and bring a wide range of experience and expertise to their teaching. Most of all they share a passion for teaching international students to communicate more effectively in English. In all LAL destinations the selection of English teachers meets the requirements of the relevant accrediting bodies – English UK, CEA (USA), and ELTASA (South Africa).

Will my teacher correct my mistakes?

The teacher’s role is to coach you into gaining confidence and improving your ability to communicate. This means that there will be times when you make mistakes. You will be corrected and made aware of where you went wrong in order that you learn from your errors. However, it is not our policy to correct every little mistake you make as this can be de-motivating and lead to frustration.

Will I have the chance to use my English?

Increasing student confidence and competence are the most important aspects of our teaching. You will be given the opportunity to practise your new language skills within the classroom environment and during school activities and of course you will have lots of opportunities to practise your English with classmates and within your host family.

What will I do in class?

We use an eclectic style of teaching in our classes. You and your classmates will work with a variety of up to date materials with which you will study grammar and vocabulary, as well as the four main skills- listening, reading, writing and speaking. The material will be supplemented by discussions, roleplays and other ways of increasing your active language. We will also provide you with lots of practise of your English pronunciation and intonation.

How can I improve my English outside the classroom?

Your teacher(s) will not only give you regular homework to provide extra practice of work you have done in class, but they will also give you suggestions and tips on how to ‘help yourself’ to learn outside the class, such as visiting local pubs or bars or speaking to your host family.

Will I get a certificate?

At the end of your stay you will be presented with your LAL Certificate, which will indicate the studies you have done and recognises your achievement.

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

LAL centres only employ teachers with a recognised teaching qualification such as the UCLES Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) or Trinity Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Many of our teachers also possess the RSA or Trinity Diploma and some a Masters degree in ESOL, EFL or Applied Linguistics, while others have a post-graduate certificate of education (PGCE).

Certificate of Attendance

We give all students a certificate of attendance at the end of their course.

Headway or Murphy (Beginner)

Headway or Murphy (Elementary)

Headway or Murphy (Pre-Intermediate)

English Grammar in Use (Intermediate/Upper Intermediate)

Advanced English Grammar in Use (Advanced)

For details on the IELTS, TOEFL and CAMBRIDGE Examinations please contact LAL Cape Town.

Long-term students are only permitted a total of four weeks’ break from their course, depending on their visa. Breaks have to be approved by the management one week before the start of the break.

Please check the classroom notice board in the reception area on Monday mornings to check your classroom number and teacher's name, in case there have been changes to the list. Please be respectful towards your classmates and teacher and make sure your cell phone is switched off during lessons. If you are expecting an urgent call, please inform your teacher and fellow students and leave the room while you receive the call.