Courses

COURSE INFORMATION

- Teachers
- Assessment
- Certificate in English
- Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Teach Out
- Preparatory Course for IELTS

Teachers
Teachers at Hawthorn-Singapore are native speakers, highly qualified to teach English to adults. They integrate a number of different teaching methods into their programs, with the emphasis on a communicative approach. The language presented is functional and relevant to daily life experiences, and students are encouraged to use English in an interactive environment and to develop strategies to extend their own listening, speaking and comprehension skills.

Back to top

Assessment
Students are assessed in the following ways:

  • Placement test and interview on arrival
  • Ongoing class monitoring of student progress using both formal and informal assessments
  • Comprehensive mid-course and final reports upon graduation
  • Personal feedback is provided by the teacher for all students throughout the programme and upon request a one-on-one evaluation can be arranged

Back to top

Certificate in English
Hawthorn-Singapore offers six levels of English classes from pre-elementary to pre-university. Students are tested and placed in a class appropriate for their level of English. At all levels of English the aim is to help students develop language skills (in speaking, listening, reading and writing) to enable them to communicate confidently and effectively in English.

A variety of learning activities is used including audio and video materials, a range of texts, course books (where appropriate), computer software and Internet programmes, roleplay and communication games, surveys, questionnaires, and projects involving class work, individual and small group activities.

These programmes are designed to provide learners with a general foundation of English for personal development and increased competency in a wide range of interactions.

The Pre-elementary / Elementary / Pre-Intermediate / Intermediate curriculum focuses on:

  • Oral communication skills
  • Fluency and accuracy in spoken language
  • Understanding native speakers of English
  • Reading and understanding a range of texts in English
  • Expanding vocabulary
  • Developing the skills and confidence to use English beyond the classroom environment

Back to top

Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Teach Out
The Hawthorn EAP programme prepares students for further studies in Singapore or other countries. It is suitable for students entering senior high school, foundation programmes, certificate and diploma studies, or undergraduate studies at university.

The 10-week EAP course equips students with essential academic English skills. Students develop their abilities to read intensively, skim and scan, listen for gist and for specific information, write and edit effectively, and to use practical speaking skills and study techniques.

Key components include listening to lectures and effective note-taking, academic reading techniques, writing assignments and essays, giving presentations and participating in academic discussions, study techniques and computer skills.Students receive training in:

  • Reading skills – skimming/scanning techniques, intensive reading
  • Listening – for gist and specific information
  • Writing – effective writing and editing skills for a variety of situations
  • Speaking – practical communication with attention to tone and appropriacy
  • Study skills – organisation and time management, independent learning
  • Computer skills – writing, editing and sourcing information

Back to top

Preparatory Course for IELTS
Hawthorn Singapore offers a 5-week, full-time course that will prepare qualified students for the IELTS exam. It will offer students the same quality Hawthorn Singapore English language instruction.

  1. Familiarization with the IELTS exam
    - question types
    - scoring system
    - understanding directions
    - vocabulary building
    - core grammar
    - independent learning strategies
  2. Strategies for successful test-taking
  3. Time management
  4. Developing ability in the four skill areas
    - writing – interpreting questions, organisation, description of charts, tables and graphs
    - reading techniques and strategies
    - listening – note taking
    - speaking – pronunciation, intonation, expressing opinions, asking for clarification

Back to top