Categories
Exams and Results

Disappointed with your IELTS?

The IELTS results are already starting to come out, mostly for the Computer Delivered tests at this point.

On the whole, I am very pleased to see significant improvements since the tests you took before you arrived. However, I know that some people will still be disappointed that they have not quite achieved the scores they need for university.

If you have missed the university entrance requirement, you have the following options:

  1. Retake IELTS. This is the obvious simple solution. With a bit of extra time and attention, and another attempt, you can probably target the skill(s) that let you down and bring your score up. You would, however, need to pay for a second sitting of the exam yourself and organize your own transport to London. My recommendation is to retake the exam during the Easter break (1st – 16th April) as you will be relatively free then. However, you will normally have until August to meet all the university entrance requirements.
  • Pre-Sessional Courses. If you do not think that you can meet the requirements by retaking IELTS, then you might want to consider taking a Pre-Sessional English course at your chosen university. These are language courses which run over the Summer before the main degree course begins in the Autumn. However, these can only make up a small difference and are much more expensive (about 10 times the price of an IELTS exam). On the plus side, I have never heard of anyone failing a Pre-Sessional.
  • International Year One (IY1).International Year One (IY1) is a very intensive programme which some universities offer for International students who are nearly but not quite ready to start Bachelor’s level studies. Entrance requirements are between those for Foundation Years and for normal university entry, so a bit lower than standard requirements. It combines foundation-level courses with the core content of the first year of the Bachelor’s degree in a one-year intensive programme. After completing IY1, you progress to the second year of a Bachelor’s degree. However, not all universities offer this course, and it is only available for a narrow range of subjects. Applications for International Year One are by Direct Application.

If you have any further questions or would like some advice on what to do next, please do not hesitate to speak to me.

Categories
University Events

Experience Business 31st January

I am very pleased to announce that next Tuesday 31st January you will be attending an Experience Business event run by our partners at Hult International Business School.

This event will give you a fantastic insight into studying business and related subjects at university, and a special masterclass by a professor at the school entitled “Entrepreneurship and Innovation –Future Proofing through Innovation.” I know that many of you are interested in the topic of entrepreneurship and how businesses can adapted to the rapidly changing environment. This is also a great opportunity for a taster of the style and level of university teaching.

This event is a compulsory part of your learning on the Business pathway and attendance will be taken.

Please meet me to get on the coaches at the end of Pullens Lane (opposite Brookes) at 07:45 (to leave at 08:00 sharp) on Tuesday 31st January.

Categories
General Information

Welcome, January Students!

It was lovely to meet so many of you today. Please see below the two presentations from this afternoon: the Academic Induction and the Application Workshop.

Please read both of them carefully, especially if you were not able to attend the presentations in person.

Induction-January-2023Download
AppWJan2023Download

Please let me know by email or in the Main Office if you have any questions.

I look forward to working with you and helping you to achieve your university goals.

Categories
General Information

UP Xmas Party

I hope you are keeping well and warm in the wintery weather.

I am delighted to invite you to the UP Christmas Party this Thursday 15th December in the Lecture Room from 13:15-14:05. You can drop in whenever you like to join us. There will be snacks, festive music and a team quiz (from about 13:40) to see how well you’ve got to know Oxford during your time with us so far.

This is the first time that we’ve been able to hold this event since December 2019, so I’m really looking forward to seeing you there to celebrate the end of your first term and the coming holidays.

Please also remember that this week’s AcCul on Wednesday, again in the Lecture Room, will be an examiner’s view of the IELTS exam with our special guest star, Nesma.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask.

Categories
Exams and Results

IELTS Winter 2023

Thank you to those of you who attended the IELTS Booking meeting today, and especial thanks to those of you who have already told me the details of your booking.

As we discussed, we will be taking the exam together on Saturday 11th February at London Central (16 Stukeley Street).

You can see the presentation slides below for your reference.

IELTS-Winter-2023Download

Please remember to tell me when you have booked and to give me the details of your booking. If I don’t receive these, your teachers and I will start nagging you in the coming weeks.

Specifically, please tell me:

  • The Centre where you take your exam.
  • The Date when you will take your exam.
  • The Time when you will take your Speaking exam.
  • Whether you are taking the Paper Based or Computer Delivered form of the exam.

Remember that you will need to contact the EF Office in your country for your reimbursement.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.