Intensive English + Test Preparation
(IETP)
A unique program
This is the first course of its kind designed for Japanese high school students to rapidly develop their English skills in Australia and prepare them to sit the Eiken test on their return to Japan. Students sit the Eiken test before coming to Brisbane. After 12 weeks in Brisbane they return to Japan and sit the Eiken test again.聽
On their first day at school they have orientation and English tests and are placed into an intensive English class suited to their level of English.
When their English reaches an intermediate level, a Secondary school subject with local students is added to their program. As their English continues to develop, the number of Secondary school subjects they have increases.
Japanese schools are invited to send students to join the IETP course in Brisbane each year. The schools have two options:
- They can send a group of 12 students to complete the course over at least 10 weeks at any time of year that suits them. The course can then be modified for a test other than Eiken if this is requested.
- They can send a small number of students to join students from other schools.聽
Student Mentors
We have a large Secondary school on our campus. Local students are selected and trained to run conversation classes one-to-one with the Japanese students. Each Student Mentor meets four times a week with their Japanese mentee for conversation practice following the conversation guidelines supplied. The Student Mentors also take their mentees to class with them for one period per day, four days a week, to expose the Japanese students to the pace of speaking in a Secondary classroom. The friendships that develop enhance the Japanese students鈥� rapidly growing confidence and fluency in using English.
Aussie Grandparents
We have a very large church on our campus with a large seniors group. We invite these retired people to participate in our IETP program. Each senior is 鈥渁dopted鈥� by one of the Japanese students and they meet together once a week for conversation practice over the 12 week period. The Japanese students quickly develop warm bonds with their 鈥淎ussie grandparents鈥� and this facilitates the development of self-confidence, a feeling of belonging and of being nurtured as well as rapid developments in speaking fluency.
Homestay
At 51小湿妹, all our homestay families are part of our large church and school community and many have their own children at the College. Homestay families are required to assist in the comprehensive homework program which is a vital component of the IETP course. We explain to the homestay family that their student is engaged in an intensive English course that requires a great deal of conversation practice, homework exercises and active participation in family life. Living with an Australian family helps English develop quickly.聽
