Term One English Programme

September - December 2008

Theme:   Food for Thought!
Ages: 3 to 16
Dates: 6 September - 13 December 2008*

This term we continue our new curriculum building upon existing knowledge and developing new skills.


NEW Term One course theme:
Food for thought

In keeping with our focus on stimulating topics and quality children's literature, we are sure this term's theme Food for Thought will inspire, excite and inform. This extremely
popular theme will provide children with a wonderful learning experience, developing their language skills while learning about the important issues of nutrition, healthy eating and how our body benefits from all types of food. We would also explore food from other cultures from every corner of the globe. It will be an experience to whet your child's appetite for learning.

We are sure that this theme will stimulate your children and provide them with the enthusiasm and motivation to discover both a passion for learning, and a commitment to enhancing their English language skills.

As ever, storytelling lies at the heart of our approach and together with this relevant and accessible theme, all our learners will be able to relate their personal experiences to the language learning process, through stories, role-play and drama, poetry and song, educational games and mini-projects.

For details on this term's learning outcomes, click here.

 
Specialist Courses

This term we are once again offering several specialist courses for students with specific English language needs. These courses will be offered in intensive blocks with small groups. Our specialist courses have been designed to give the students the opportunity to focus on and develop specific language skills.

Different courses are offered each term so our students can enroll for all three terms, or enroll term by term.

Academic Achievers - New this Term!
Ages 14+
10 weeks of 2 hour lessons
Dates: (Sat) 27/09 to 29/11
  (Thu) 25/09 to 4/12

Classes will take place in our ESF Educational Services Office in Causeway Bay

This new course has been designed for students aged 14+ who already have a strong grasp of English and are looking to further enhance their level to that of a near-native level.

To enroll in the course, students will be expected to be able to understand the key ideas of concrete texts, interact with a degree of fluency and be able to provide opinions on a range of topics.

Learners will:

  • Develop students' ability to communicate accurately and effectively in speech and writing to a high standard
  • Be taught how to display a sense of style and creativity when communicating in English
  • Learn how to prepare effectively for exams
  • Communicate formally and informally on a range of topical issues
  • Understand a wide range of texts, styles and registers
  • Develop their appreciation of a wide range of literature (poetry, classics, authentic texts, etc)

This course will also compliment other subject studies by developing general skills such as the ability to analyse, make inferences, assess facts and give feedback.


Debating
Ages 12 - 16

Dates: 16th September to 9th December

The debating course has been designed to equip your child with the necessary skills for public speaking, and will introduce students to the concepts and techniques of all forms of English-language debating.

Learners will:

  • learn key components of a debate;
  • write compositions in line with discussion topics;
  • research and organise facts and opinions;
  • present with confidence, clarity and persuasion;
  • summarise, question and defend arguments.


Writing Skills
Ages 7 - 16
10 weeks of 2 hour lessons

Dates: 8th September to 27th November

The course covers a range of different genres and the students have the opportunity to study both fiction and nonfiction texts. The course equips the learner with the necessary tools to complete a variety of different compositions with a focus on technique and accuracy.

Learners will:

  • learn the key stages of planning, drafting and summarising;
  • enrich their work with a range of vocabulary and language structures;
  • write for a variety of purposes, audiences and genres;
  • monitor own writing for correct register and content;


Interview Skills
Age 7 - 12
12 hour intensive course

Dates:  9th September to 28th October;
 6th September to 11th October; or
 10th September to 26th September
two lessons per week

This popular course will prepare your child for the demands of interviews for school entry and other purposes.

Learners will:

  • experience simulated school interview scenarios;
  • express and justify opinions and ideas clearly, logically and with confidence;
  • listen actively and respond appropriately, including responding to unanticipated questions;
  • develop comprehension and writing skills necessary for the written component of an interview;
  • receive specific feedback on areas for improvement.