English for Academic Purposes courses are a great way to learn English and prepare for future academic studies in an English speaking academic environment. There are five proficiency levels. At each level the four skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening) are developed.

Entry Requirements

Students must have a valid Visa to study in Australia. The starting course level will be determined by the band score achieved in the placement test (see the table below). The band scores shown in bold font indicate the graduating score for each course level.

• High School Preparation (Bridging Program)
• University Foundation Program
• Tertiary Preparation

Level: Lower Intermediate to Advanced

English for Academic Purposes is designed to help students succeed in further study in Australian High Schools, Foundation Studies Programs, TAFE courses and Universities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students will develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking as well as improve their academic study skills and prepare for the IELTS test.

Students wishing to complete Tertiary Preparation may have to first complete some levels of Intensive General English (IGE).

Course Content

These programs are designed to assist students in developing essay writing, research and critical thinking skills as well as oral presentations in a way that meets with the demands of an academic English speaking environment. Academic Writing Skills

Writing for specific purposes: summaries, essays, reports and term papers

• Academic writing conventions
• Note taking and paraphrasing
• Editing skills

Academic (Intensive) Reading Skills

• Skimming, scanning and speed reading
• Reading for main points and for specific information
• Interpreting, graphs, diagrams and charts
• Reading and understanding academic materials (articles and texts)

Listening Skills

• Comprehending lectures
• Viewing and note taking through video documentaries and recordings

Oral Presentation Skills

• Develop self confidence
• Present tutorials/seminars
• Participate in group assessment presentation
• Oral presentation skills

Research Skills

• Study techniques
• Time management
• Assignment preparation
• Note taking skills
• Referencing

Computing Skills

• Computer concepts and applications
• Word processing
• Formatting of documents

Elective Subjects

In the afternoon classes students can choose from a range of elective subjects that suit their interests and individual skill requirements. Current electives include:

• IELTS Preparation - Listening and Speaking
• IELTS Preparation - Reading and Writing
• Writing Mechanics
• Remedial Spelling
• Oral Skills
• Film Studies
• Hospitality
• Australian Studies
• English through Art
• English through Sport
• English through Music

Mode of Study

Full time, 5 hour per day course for student Visa holders

Students on other Visas can select morning, classes or full day course.

Duration of Course

Students may complete between 5 and 25 weeks depending on their individual needs, requirements of future study pathways and level of English.

Assessment Methods

There are two types of assessment:

• Proficiency examinations every 5 weeks to determine students overall proficiency in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (50% of the mark)
• Ongoing assessment including class work, class tests, assignments and oral presentations (50% of the mark)

Students are given a band score for each of these components and placed in classes according to the band scores achieved. Teachers supply students with an expectations summary at the beginning of each 10 week course outlining the assessment tasks and requirements for the course.

Sample timetable