PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The English Language Studies program at Pures College is designed and developed to target and boost students’ language competency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, through scalable and academic content instruction that is linguistically and culturally responsive. In addition, students will learn the important analytical skills and will engage in activities and projects that promote advanced communication and learning skills that are congruent with their professional and academic goals.

The English Language Studies program consists of four levels. Each level runs 16 weeks in length and focuses on the four main language skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Our program is integrative which consists of four courses targeting each of the four skills, total of 320 hours of studies per level.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of the conventions of written language by using correct grammar structures.
• Demonstrate a clear and deep understanding of different spoken contexts from a variety of genres
• Improve and increase listening comprehension and paraphrasing skills with greater accuracy.
• Identify and explain cultural references and a range of common social expressions in spoken situations
• Demonstrate greater confidence and fluency, discussing a variety of topics
• Write in a variety of styles and develop their own personal voice
• Perform critical analysis of the various elements of a piece of writing
• Examine and review their own work critically using advanced editing techniques.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

The program is designed for students who have completed less than four years of instruction in an English–speaking secondary school. However, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent is the general requirement for admission into any program into the College.

LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT

All new ESL students will undergo a placement test to assess their language ability so that they are placed in the appropriate level.

EQUIVALENCIES WITH CLB & IELTS

Pures English Language Studies program uses the Canadian Language Benchmark as that is the national standard for planning curricula for language instruction in a variety of contexts. The benchmarks describe tasks that people can do in listening, speaking, reading and writing for every day, real English use. We also ensure our program is equivalent to the standards of the IELTS test outcomes as IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with over 2.2 million tests taken in the last year. IELTS assesses all of your English skills—reading, writing, listening and speaking, and is designed to reflect how you will use English at study, at work, and at play, in your new life abroad.

Completion of each level is equivalent to equivalencies with the CLB levels and IELTS scores. Below is a chart with outlines the equivalencies.

Comparison chart between CLB, IELTS & Pures ESL Program

Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/language/charts.asp

Tuition of ESL and EAP Program:

$5900/level including medical insurance. Tuition fees as stated are subject to change.

PROGRAM CUSTOMIZATION

Some students may be at different levels for different skills. Based on the language assessment results and the student’s needs, we can develop a customized program to meet their needs. This is a supplemental or preparatory program for students who wish to upgrade their language skills quickly in a small group setting.

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

Our instructors are creative language specialists who have a wide range of experience in teaching English as a Second Language in Canada and overseas. Some also have experience teaching in community colleges and other government-funded institutions. We use all the latest teaching techniques and materials to engage the students and to ensure that they acquire the English language and communication skills necessary to succeed in their academic endeavours. In addition, there is an emphasis on using technology to teach and learn in the classroom. Instructors are expected to develop their own teaching plans with key learning outcomes and skills, and are expected to ensure students meet those learning outcomes.

Academic Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods, such as group presentations, timed writing, assignments, listening tests, quizzes as well as in-class participation and formal exams. Standard grading forms are provided to each instructor to keep accurate and regular track of students’ progress. Instructors may customize their grading forms according to the assessment methods indicated in each course outline.

ACADEMIC QUALITY CONTROL

We have implemented several measures to ensure academic quality is maintained:

Course Evaluations
Classes are evaluated through a formal evaluation form completed by students at the end of the course. These are shown to instructors so that they have feedback from students on their teaching strategies, course content and overall satisfaction with the course. The College administration will also use these evaluations as a way to improve the course curriculum and delivery.

Instructor Teaching Evaluations
The College’s Academic department will conduct an instructor teaching evaluation every semester. This evaluation feedback will be given to each instructor and a verbal feedback will also be given to each instructor about their teaching style and delivery.

Mid-Semester Course Tracking
During the course of the semester, a mid-semester tracking meeting with be held with each instructor to ensure the course is on track and to provide support to either or both instructor and students, if needed. This is preventive measure to make sure nothing falls through the crack.

Student Success
The pass/fail rate can also be an indicator of teaching success; therefore, we closely monitor the students’ performance during the course of the semester to ensure learning outcomes are met at the completion of each course.