Student satisfaction and progress procedure

The North of England School of English wants all students to make progress while studying and be challenged by the academic rigour of the course through appropriate content and good teaching.

Procedure for maintaining student satisfaction and progress

Before arrival:

• sending the student information about life and studying in the UK and in Doncaster
• asking the student to complete and return a written language test
• where possible, interviewing and testing students over SKYPE to establish their spoken level of English to determine their current level of English
• asking the student to send any evidence of the English language level (for example an existing IELTS score)
• asking the student for information on any learning difficulties or other reasons that may inhibit their studies (medical form sent)

On arrival:

• if they have not been tested in a SKYPE interview, new students will be tested on arrival to determine their current level of English and they will be placed into the most appropriate class
• managing student expectations about what they can achieve in the time they will study based on their current ability and aims
• conducting an initial tutorial.
• issuing the student with a handbook

During studies:

• providing high-quality general English language instruction for  15 hours per week
• providing additional high-quality academic English for 6 hours per week for people who have chosen ‘General English Plus’.
• providing high-quality Cambridge exam preparation courses that focus on exam techniques and practice in order for the student to achieve their academic aims.
• setting, checking and giving feedback on regular homework assignments set weekly.
• promoting learner autonomy through class work.
• providing opportunities and resources for students to learn autonomously.
• giving regular feedback to students on their progress.
• setting, marking and giving feedback on weekly tests.
• continuously assessing students’ progress by setting appropriate assessment tasks, which are linked to the level descriptors.
• providing opportunities for students to mix socially with other students and staff through trips to famous UK sites of national and international interest.
• providing a free weekly conversation club for students to join, make friends and practise their English in an informal setting. These will always be aided by a member of staff.
• sending out regular newsletters and information to make sure that the student has information about what is going on in school both academically and socially.
• providing some input into cultural awareness of life in the UK to help students integrate into society.
• flagging those students who are not meeting the required standard with the Director of Studies, who will speak to the student individually.
• informing students of their scheduled teachers and any changes to this.
• providing assistance to students who wish to apply for further and higher educational courses.
• providing assistance to students who wish to apply for and take Cambridge exams within the UK.
• providing a high level of welfare.