The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate offers Intensive English Preparation (IEP) courses, designed for international students to develop English language skills and to allow progression into one of our mainstream academic programmes.
The whole programme focuses on the following three components:
- Academic development
- Personal development
- Cultural embracement
The IEP programme integrates language learning with other subjects, such as Art, Mathematics and Science because research shows language learning is more effective when it is combined with content from another subject. It enables learners to encounter language in context and to use it for authentic communication.
Each one-year course covers a broad range of knowledge and skills, including oral communication, subject-specific vocabulary, and advanced reading and writing. This equips you with the skills to communicate effectively in academic and social situations and allows you to familiarise yourself with an academically rigorous and demanding educational environment.
From immersion in the QE and wider community, interacting with a wide range of nationalities, and participating in the many clubs and activities, you will develop a stronger command of English and gain a greater understanding of British culture.
What Is Included In The Course?
| Core Content | Optional Content |
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How To Join The IEPWhen applying for the IEP at The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s, you will be assessed on your school reports, an English test, a written resume and a face-to-face interview or video call. You will also be required to sit a CAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test) assessment as part of your application including verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial SAS scores. |
IELTS/B2 First
A crucial aspect of the Intensive English Preparation course is the time spent developing a student’s English skills. Up to 14 hours a week can be spent working towards both the B2 First and IELTS qualifications to demonstrate the student has the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country, or to study courses taught in English. Universities widely recognise B2 First and IELTS and are excellent preparation for Sixth Form academic study.
Both the B2 First and IELTS courses improve and test students’ ability to read, write, speak and listen in English.
| GCSE Mathematics |
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The GCSE Mathematics course covers topics in number, algebra, ratio, proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and statistics. Lessons consist of a variety of activities in which students can use and apply their mathematical skills and begin to explore, enjoy and succeed in mathematics. |
| Science |
| The IEP Science course covers key skills and fundamental aspects of science in preparation for potential further study at a higher level. Aspects of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses from Key Stage 3 will be revisited and consolidated as well as the introduction of new content studies at Key Stage 4. |
| Physical Education |
| Choose between: rugby (boys only), netball (girls only), football, hockey, basketball, badminton, boxercise, swimming, fitness, gymnastics, dance, trampolining, yoga, exercise to music, spinning, athletics, cricket, Zumba, softball, rounders, tennis and table tennis. |
| Personal Development |
| Personal Development lessons cover a breadth of personal, social, health, citizenship, careers, and economic education. Personal Development helps you integrate into the UK lifestyle and will teach you about financial capabilities, revision skills, values, and culture. The programme has been developed to prepare you for the challenges, choices and responsibilities of university, work, and adult life. |
| Art |
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Develop creative and language skills. Following this course, students could study Art and Design or Photography as a GCSE in Year 11 or Art and Design Practice or Media Practice in Year 12. The course will develop skills and interests in a wide range of creative areas, such as fine art, illustration, graphic design, fashion, photography and architecture. In the first term, teachers will cover the following before asking students to complete a themed GCSE-style project:
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| Foundation Business & Enterprise |
| The IEP preparation course will include one Level 2 Enterprise component and a series of mini projects. It offers coursework-based learning and the experience of working on mini projects, submitting to deadlines and receiving feedback, similar to a BTEC assessment. |
Final Assessment And Qualifications
At the end of the academic year, you will complete assessments in:
- IELTS
- Cambridge B2 First in English
- GCSE Mathematics
- First Language GCSE exam – for Chinese and Russian students only (Please get in touch with our Admissions Team if you would like to take a GCSE in your first language)
