star exeter
At STAR Exeter, teaching is based on communicative principles. Teachers take
account of students’ backgrounds, needs, learning styles, strengths and
weaknesses. A variety of approaches are employed, ranging from more formal
structured activities to freer task-based exercises. A big proportion of class
time is devoted to genuine communication. Students are valued for the knowledge
and experience they bring, and are encouraged to share this with each other,
supported by the teacher. We find this is the key to building students’
confidence in communicating in English. Morning classes follow a recognised
course book of the appropriate level. Supplementary materials are taken from a
wide variety of sources, including authentic listening texts, newspapers and
videos, so that each student’s interests and needs are catered for. Skills work
is also an important part of the curriculum, giving students a balance between
learning grammar and vocabulary, and practising the skills of listening,
speaking (including pronunciation), reading and writing. Independent learning is
encouraged, and students are given advice on how to continue their learning at
home, when they are out and about in Exeter, and when they return to their own
country. Homework is set regularly, checked by the teacher and remedial work is
given if necessary. Each student has an Individual Learning Plan. Through weekly
tutorials, the student is guided in the areas he/she needs to focus on, and the
teacher can adjust the syllabus according to individual interests and
requirements. Afternoon Academic Skills classes The afternoon lessons complement
the morning General English course by providing an opportunity for students to
activate their language, with output, rather than input, being emphasized. The
syllabus is therefore topic-based, focussing on real-life communication and
transactional English. Students have a direct input in the choice of topics for
the afternoon lessons. We have a wide variety of specialised material at all
levels, which teachers use to build lessons around. Vocabulary exercises,
reading texts, and listenings are used as springboards for further work. Errors
are corrected as students speak, and teachers often highlight areas of
difficulty, in order for more in-depth practice. Afternoon classes are also
ideal for focussing on pronunciation. IELTS Exam Preparation classes Students
work to gain competence in all four study skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading,
Writing) to obtain the result/score they need. Students develop strategies to
carry out IELTS tasks in class and be prepared for the exam conditions in the
near future. Lessons ensure that students have the necessary language to
successfully deal with the exam components, and practice strategies needed to
cope with the exam questions: integrated grammar, vocabulary, spelling and
pronunciation. Teachers build students’ confidence in their abilities and
sustain their motivation, and give students feedback on their progress by using
real IELTS materials. A variety of IELTS-specific resources are used to maximise
your achievement.
