Pre-Sessional English Programme (12 week)

The Programme is designed to enable international students to make the transition from their previous learning and teaching style to the style of the more autonomous learning environment of the UK Higher Education system. This is undertaken in a highly supportive environment and enables students to engage appropriately when they progress through their levels of study. Through scaffolding, students are prepared and taught how to produce more complex pieces of assessed work. This process helps to raise the standard of work produced by students and the External Examiner (2014) believed student work to be 'better than, the work produced in similar courses across the sector'. The Programme employs a variety of teaching and learning strategies, with a focus on developing a range of knowledge and skills, providing students with the ability to apply them to a selected area of study. As well as the development of English language skills as an integrated set, students begin to develop academic and research skills that are relevant to the UK's Higher Education system. These include an introduction to critical thinking, time management, referencing, individual research and presentations. The Programme develops an independent learning culture, and provides a stimulating learning experience for international students. Opportunities are provided for students to reflect on their knowledge and skills, particularly through a process of peer interaction, which includes class discussion, debate and group work. This sharing of experience encourages students to modify and develop their own, and their peers', academic knowledge and practices.  Students are encouraged to be independent active learners through their involvement in assignments and active contribution to teaching and learning assignments. Teaching Team Marija Davis Howard Giles Peter Boniface Mandy Jones